Pioneer Park

Island Crest Way and SE 68th Street

The City purchased Pioneer Park in 1964 and transferred ownership of the park to the Mercer Island Open Space Conservancy Trust in 1992. This 113-acre forest contains 6.6 miles of trails and consists of second growth deciduous and coniferous trees, including Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, and bigleaf maple. The park features the largest, relatively least disturbed forested natural area on Mercer Island and is home to diverse habitats and critical areas, including steep-sloped ravines; small, forested wetlands; and a stream.

Roads divide the park into three distinct quadrants:

Northwest Quadrant

The Northwest Quadrant is the most popular park area. Located on the west side of Island Crest Way, across from the Mercer Island Village Shopping Center, the forest primarily features deciduous trees, with conifers interspersed. The park’s perimeter trail is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and horses are allowed on a designated equestrian trail along Island Crest Way and SE 68^th Street. Off-leash dogs under voice control are allowed in this quadrant (MICC 7.04.110). Parking is available on 84th Avenue SE at the north end of the park.

Northeast Quadrant

Located east of Island Crest Way, the Northeast Quadrant is the most ecologically diverse quadrant and includes mixed conifer-deciduous forest, steep sloped ravines, and stream habitat. The primary trail crosses the quadrant diagonally, skirting the top of the ravine and offering ravine views from two overlooks. The newest park trail takes visitors into the ravine and around wetland, with an overlook of the creek at the bottom. This quadrant is closed to horses and off-leash dogs. Find parking on the north side of SE 68^th Street, mid-block near a large maple tree.

Southeast Quadrant

The Southeast Quadrant is the equestrian quadrant. While the trails are open to all users, they have been designed and maintained specifically for horseback riding. Located on the east side of Island Crest Way, south of SE 68^th Street, the forest here is predominantly Douglas fir. Root rot is active in this quadrant, and gaps in the canopy indicate where trees have fallen over as a result. Parking is available on the east side of Island Crest Way just south of SE 68th Street.